New Delhi: M S Gill retired as the country’s Chief Election Commissioner seven years ago, and on Tuesday he took over as the country’s new Sports Minister.
Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, say his appointment sets a bad precedent. “Making persons who have held constitutional posts an MP first and then a minister on a party nomination definitely raises the question of propriety because this can be interpreted as rewards for past work,” the BJP said after Gill, 72, was sworn as a Union Minister on Sunday.
Gill rejected the criticism this evening and said he is only answerable to the people and the Prime Minister. “I can’t make myself the Minister-somebody else has to do it. The decision to become Minister is mine and I make my decisions with my confidence. I will reply to my critics when the time comes,” he said.
“It is the Prime Minister’s prerogative to appoint me and it is my responsibility to work to best of my ability,” said Gill, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha on a Congress ticket.
Speaking on his plans for the Ministry, he said: “other sports in the country are suffering due to cricket. I will try and rectify this.”
CNN-IBN’s National Bureau Chief Bhupendra Chaubey says Gill’s statement reflect the Congress’ view that it will not be defensive about his appointment. The real challenge for Gill though is not the Opposition’s objection but the state of sports in the country.
Preparing for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010 and getting facilities for the country’s sportspersons in an Olympic year are the challenges Gill faces, says Chaubey.
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